Edsel owner needs advice

Auto columnist Greg Zyla answers a question about where to find door panels for a 1959 Edsel Ranger 4-door sedan. If you have a question for Greg, contact him at greg@gregzyla.com.

Greg Zyla

Q: Greg, I enjoy your columns and I read them every week. I own 1959 Edsel Ranger 4-door sedan, but the door panels are rough and need to be replaced. I am aware that the '59 Ford had similar mechanical parts, including engine and other mechanical parts. However, are any of the interior parts the same also?

I might have a better chance to find door panels from a 1959 Ford than an Edsel. My Edsel is two-tone green, and I would like to get as close as possible. I know you have helped many people and will wait for a response. Thanks a lot, Jack R., Pennsylvania.

A: Jack, the good news is that you will have no problem finding Edsel parts for your car, as many of the Ford parts are interchangeable. First and foremost, I recommend you purchase the biweekly Auto Roundup Magazine also the latest monthly issue of Hemmings Motor News. These magazines are available on your newsstand, and will make it easy for you as many advertisers specialize in the exact parts you need. You're but a phone call away to an Edsel specialist that will assist you.

As for expanding on the part interchangeability, by 1959 Ford knew it's Edsel was not doing well, and the company had already started using even more and more of the Ford-Mercury parts in the Edsel vehicles. Then in 1960, the Edsel was pretty much a Ford sans a different grille and rear taillight setup.

I, too, own a '59 Edsel Ranger, although mine is a two-door with a 292 V-8 and a three on the tree. I plan to replace the engine this year as it has seen its better days. The body is in good shape although it needs new paint, and the interior has already been refinished.

On the positive side of owning perhaps the biggest ever "car industry flop," Edsels continues to be some of the most popular attractions at car shows across America because of its "failure" status. Personally, I love my Edsel, and need to find some more time to work on it.

Thanks for the letter, and you'll find literally hundreds of companies that can supply you with the parts you need in Auto Roundup Magazine and Hemmings Motor News. Good luck, and send me some pictures of your car.